--- title: How Do Compatible Toner Cartridges Compare to OEM Cartridges? description: Learn more about what compatible toner cartridges and OEM toner cartridges are, differences between them and how MPS toner sourcing can be beneficial. image: https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Toner_Blogheader_02.jpg --- [![Gordon Flesch Logo](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Logos/GFC-2021-Logo_Blue.svg) ](https://www.gflesch.com/) **Number 1 Canon®** Independent Dealer in the U.S. **Number 1 Lexmark™** Independent Dealer in the U.S. [CLIENT PORTAL](https://einfo.gflesch.com/einfo/Gateway/Login)  |  [LOCATIONS](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us#locations)  |  [EVENTS](https://www.gflesch.com/events)  |  [CONTACT ](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us) |  [CAREERS](https://www.gflesch.com/careers) [![FREE ASSESSMENT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2259185/d975359c-4073-49ee-9a07-aea2dabf5a9f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2259185/d975359c-4073-49ee-9a07-aea2dabf5a9f) Search gflesch.com Open Menu #### [Hardware](https://www.gflesch.com/hardware) #### [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/managed-print-services) [![ImageCARE](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/GFC/Website/Logos/ImageCARE_logo.svg "ImageCARE")](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/what-is-imagecare) #### [Managed Voice Services](https://www.elevityit.com/managed-voice-services) #### [Managed IT](https://www.elevityit.com/) [![Elevity](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elevity/Elevity-Logo_No-Tag.png?width=165&height=61&name=Elevity-Logo_No-Tag.png "Elevity")](https://www.elevityit.com/) #### [Who We Serve](https://www.gflesch.com/who-we-serve) #### [The GFC Difference](https://www.gflesch.com/the-gfc-difference) ![GFC team after bike 4k](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Page-Images/Careers/13937955_732396103564956_2200806867025572720_o_600x400Web.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=13937955_732396103564956_2200806867025572720_o_600x400Web.jpg "GFC team after bike 4k") Explore opportunities to join one of the country’s largest independent business technology providers! 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[![Bill Willoughby avatar](https://www.gflesch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bill_willoughby_linkedin.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=bill_willoughby_linkedin.jpg) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/author/bill-willoughby) [Bill Willoughby](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/author/bill-willoughby) 08/11/2022 ![ [**Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-do-compatible-toner-cartridges-compare-to-oem-cartridges) [**LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-do-compatible-toner-cartridges-compare-to-oem-cartridges) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-do-compatible-toner-cartridges-compare-to-oem-cartridges) [**Email ](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20great%20blog%20post%20from%20Gordon%20Flesch%20Company,%20INC.&body=Check%20out:%20https://www.gflesch.com/blog/how-do-compatible-toner-cartridges-compare-to-oem-cartridges) **Having a MPS partner provide toner cartridges for your entire fleet is common these days and very convenient.** Asking your MPS partner to include toner cartridges for brands they do not service is also more common than you may think. Be prepared to have a conversation about the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or compatible toner cartridges that are outside of the MPS partner's service contract.   ## OEM Toner Cartridges  OEM toner cartridges are designed and manufactured by the same company as the matching printing machine. Purchasing OEM toner cartridges isn’t all about the brand, it also promotes customer confidence in machine optimal performance.  ## Compatible Toner Cartridges  There are two main types of compatible toner cartridges as an alternative to OEM. New, compatible toner cartridges are designed and manufactured by a company other than the manufacturer of the printing machine. Essentially, they are clones of OEM toner cartridges and are comprised of all new parts. In contrast, refurbished (or remanufactured) compatible toner cartridges are used cartridges that have been refilled with toner.  ## OEM vs. Compatible Toner Cartridges  **OEM toner cartridges typically produce better quality print images** and often have a slightly longer lifespan than compatible cartridges. They also have been found to have a lower failure rate than competing compatible cartridges. A service contract with a MPS partner commonly includes OEM toner cartridges along with service wrapped into a monthly payment for machine brands that the MPS partner provides. **Compatible toner cartridges are often less expensive than OEM.** However, compatible options do increase the risk of working improperly (color inconsistency, lower page yield, lower lifespan, etc.) or causing a machine malfunction. If a client requests compatible cartridges for printing machine brands not primarily serviced by the MPS partner – many MPS partners are happy to add this option to the offerings in their standard service contract. A knowledgeable MPS partner will find and source compatible toner cartridges from their vendor network. These vendors are long-term, trusted partners with quality, in-stock products. In fact, MPS partners often test compatible toner cartridges prior to recommending their use to other clients. In the event of a cartridge malfunction, contact your MPS provider. They can often troubleshoot to determine if your cartridge is defective and offer a replacement.  Use your MPS partner’s experience to your advantage as they are skilled in quickly finding the correct, compatible toner options for you.** ** ## Go Green – Recycling and More  Whether OEM or compatible, **toner cartridges are recyclable**. A MPS partner can help keep toner cartridges out of landfills with recycling programs and/or scheduled regular pickups for empty cartridges and other waste. Make sure you know the [options that are available](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/recycling-used-toner-ink-cartridges-made-easy) to make recycling empty toner cartridges quick and simple for your staff. In addition to convenience, recycling will reduce your organization’s carbon footprint.  ## MPS Partner Toner Sourcing  Choosing a MPS partner to supply toner for your entire printer fleet is a smart idea to** save your organization time and money **while eliminating the hassle of sourcing toner cartridges for multiple printer brands. Wondering where to start? Our free office printer inventory checklist documents your printing assets and will help to assess your current needs. Learn more by clicking the link below to download the checklist. Or [reach out to the experts at the Gordon Flesch Company](https://www.gflesch.com/contact-us) today to begin the discussion.  [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2259185/b0c19d76-75ba-43e4-ba1a-2fb45918c3e3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2259185/b0c19d76-75ba-43e4-ba1a-2fb45918c3e3) ## You may also like these posts about: **Managed Print** [![Five co-workers in an office conference room having a meeting](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2026-Blog-Header_How%20to%20Integrate%20Print%20Infrastructure%20Into%20Your%20IT%20Strategy.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/integrate-print-infrastructure-into-it-strategy) [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/managed-print) ### [How to Integrate Print Infrastructure into Your IT Strategy](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/integrate-print-infrastructure-into-it-strategy) 06/16/2026 | 4 min Read [![man in office reading printed pages of graphs and charts](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2026-Blog-Header_5%20Common%20Misconceptions%20About%20MPS.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/common-managed-print-services-misconceptions) [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/managed-print) ### [5 Common Misconceptions About Managed Print Services](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/common-managed-print-services-misconceptions) 06/11/2026 | 4 min Read [![Employees around a conference room table with paperwork and laptop computers](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/2026-Blog-Header_Working%20with%20a%20Managed%20Print%20Services%20Provider%20is%20a%20Game%20Changer.png) ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/managed-print-services-game-changer) [Managed Print](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/topic/managed-print) ### [Why Working with a Managed Print Services Provider Is a Game Changer](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/managed-print-services-game-changer) 06/04/2026 | 4 min Read [← A Comprehensive Comparison of In-House vs. Managed Print Services](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/comparison-of-in-house-vs-managed-print-services) [** ](https://www.gflesch.com/blog) [7 Signs You Need a Managed Print Services Implementation Strategy →](https://www.gflesch.com/blog/managed-print-services-implementation-strategy) [![GFC-2021-Logo_White](https://www.gflesch.com/hubfs/Gordon-Flesch-Site/Logos/GFC-2021-Logo_White.svg "GFC-2021-Logo_White")](https://www.gflesch.com/) 2675 Research Park Drive Madison, WI 53711 800.333.5905 [CLIENT TOOLS](https://www.gflesch.com/customer-support) © 2023 Gordon Flesch Company. 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